News from 2021
Poll indicates half of Americans believe 'lab-leak theory' of COVID-19 origins
By Christina Heath | Jun 23, 2021
A new poll conducted by The Trafalgar Group, in partnership with a poll by the Convention of States Action, shows that half of Americans no longer agree with previous theories of how COVID-19 was created.
COVID-19 hospitalizations at Texas Medical Center down 5% over past week
By Houston Daily reports | Jun 23, 2021
A total of 309 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized at Texas Medical Center facilities over the past week, a 5% decrease from the previous week, according to TMC affiliates in the nine-county Houston area.
Turner selected as African American Mayors Association president: 'I look forward to elevating our voices'
By Trina Thomas | Jun 22, 2021
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was chosen for the role of president of the African American Mayors Association and was sworn in on May 12.
'Good news': Houston Freedmen's Town now a protected Heritage District
By April Bamburg | Jun 22, 2021
Freedmen’s Town in Houston’s Fourth Ward is officially a Heritage District and protected as a piece of Houston history after the city council vote on June 16.
Turner pays tribute to Edwards, father of Juneteenth, for ‘job well done’
By Bob Pepalis | Jun 22, 2021
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner remembered the late Al Edwards, the man considered the father of Juneteenth in Texas, his former legislative colleague and friend, as it became a national holiday.
Abbott: Antisemitism 'has no place in Texas'
By Bob Pepalis | Jun 21, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill creating the Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Antisemitism Advisory Commission to develop ways to fight antisemitism into law on June 16.
'We're grateful': Pearland’s Fourth of July Celebration of Freedom returns to in-person event
By Kasey Schefflin-Emrich | Jun 21, 2021
The City of Pearland is bringing back its annual Fourth of July Celebration of Freedom this year as an in-person event with a virtual element.
Most voters believe pipelines 'keep America moving,' survey finds
By Carrie Bradon | Jun 21, 2021
Despite the recent Colonial Pipeline hack, in which the pipeline that supplies the East Coast with fuel was held captive with ransomware, most Americans support pipelines, citing environmental factors as well as infrastructure benefits.
'Not in Texas': Abbott signs bills to protect gun rights amidst criticism from Democrats
By John Kelly | Jun 21, 2021
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a flurry of pro-gun bills, including the legislation that allows permitless carry, into law.
'A momentous occasion to celebrate': Hidalgo seeks to make Juneteenth a holiday at the county level
By John Kelly | Jun 19, 2021
Juneteenth recently became a federal holiday, with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo seeking to make it one at the county level.
Cornyn 'happy' legislation making Juneteenth a national holiday has become law
By Solange DeLisle | Jun 19, 2021
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) was "proud" legislation he co-sponsored that designated Juneteenth, or freedom day, as a national holiday officially became law when President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17.
'Congratulations': Elsik High School student awarded first Harris County vaccine scholarship
By Solange DeLisle | Jun 19, 2021
An Elsik High School student was the first of 10 scholarship winners as part of a weekly raffle in Harris County aimed at encouraging more teenagers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Houstonians celebrate Juneteenth virtually, locally with events in Emancipation Park
By April Bamburg | Jun 18, 2021
After more than 160 years since the end of slavery in the U.S., President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17 marking Juneteenth (June 19) as an official holiday.
Turner: Senate Bill 3 adds no 'meaningful reserve capacity' to Texas grid
By Solange DeLisle | Jun 18, 2021
The power grids in Texas have struggled to keep up with the summer electricity demand only adding to the number of Texans who are frustrated over the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' (ERCOT) ability to keep both the lights and air conditioning units on.
Turner urges residents to 'be aware of their surroundings' as murder stats spike
By Karen Kidd | Jun 18, 2021
With crime increasing in the City of Houston, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is urging residents to be more mindful of their surroundings and their safety.
PGA REACH Southern Texas 'excited' to help open new nine-hole golf course
By Andy Nghiem | Jun 18, 2021
Houston-based real estate investment and development firm Midway recently announced that a new public nine-hole, par-3 golf course with a restaurant and bar serving the East River, Houston area is scheduled to open spring of 2022.
'Illegal dumping can cost you up to $4,000': Houston City Council approves fine increase for illegal dumping
By Karen Kidd | Jun 18, 2021
The City of Houston recently doubled fines for illegal dumping as the mayor encourages residents to report dumpers.
'It's never been like this before': Thousands of immigrants cross U.S. southern border under Biden administration
By W.J. Kennedy | Jun 17, 2021
An influx of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S. southern border under the Biden administration has Patrick Zuberbueler on constant alert when working on his family’s ranch in southwest Texas.
Turner: Reliant’s Beat the Heat Program will help vulnerable Houstonians ‘keep their homes cool’
By Kasey Schefflin-Emrich | Jun 17, 2021
Reliant has launched its 2021 Beat the Heat Program intended to help Houston residents stay cool as temperatures rise.
Frito-Lay to expand Rosenberg facility, 'create 160 additional jobs'
By Carrie Bradon | Jun 17, 2021
Frito-Lay, the Plano-based food production company, has received approval to expand their facility in Rosenberg by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, which will bring more jobs and economic activity to the area.